French Chateaux, Vineyards & Paris Lights

Burgundy and Paris: A Self-Drive Itinerary

7 days/6 nights - Multiple 2012/2013 Departure Dates

PRICE: From $2339 per person/double occupancy.Includes airfare from New York/JFK

Set your own pace as you explore the renowned Burgundy region of France on this 7-day self-drive journey. Visit historic chateaux, medieval cathedrals and ancient Roman ruins; enjoy wine-tasting and gourmet food; and discover the sights, scents and sounds of this prosperous and beautiful pastoral region of France where some of the world's best wines are produced.

Spend 4 nights in your unique room at the four-star Chateau de Chailly hotel in the charming countryside near Pouilly en Auxois, just 30 minutes from Dijon and Beaune and only a few miles from the Morvan Regional Nature Park.

Around the 16th century castle, the Chateau de Chailly Golf course offers the highest quality 18-hole course, designed by Thierry Sprecher and Gery Watine, professional champion of France in 1989.

Finish off your trip with a day and overnight in Paris where you can discover the City of Light on foot from your centrally located hotel or take in a performance or art museum.

Suggested Daily Itinerary:

Day 1: Depart USA, from New York/JFK

Day 2: Arrival

Arrive in Paris where you will collect your luggage and make your way to the on-site car rentals. Grab your car and maps and your journey begins!

Head for Burgundy via the E-15 highway. On the outskirts of Paris you will pass near the town of Fontainebleau, famous for its royal Chateau de Fontainebleau, one of the best palaces in France. Another worthwhile detour is to the 850 year old Abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside Montbard. Also near your route is the town of Chablis, home of one of the most famous white wines in the world. Any of these might be ideal for lunchtime break.

On arrival at the Chateau de Chailly, check in and enjoy the steam bath or a dip in the hot tub before dinner and a well-deserved night's sleep.

Accommodations: Chateau de Chailly in Burgundy

Day 3: Burgundy

The focus is on food and wine. Today's trip includes a drive to Dijon, where there's a Ducal Palace, a Fine Art Museum and the Musee de la Moutarde, dedicated to Dijon's famous condiment. Or you can stop into the Louis Maille boutique where you will find mustards that aren't available anywhere else in the world. While you're in town, be sure to sip on a kir or kir royale. These drinks are made with crème de cassis, a liqueur invented by one of Dijon's former mayors.

Beaune is the highlight of the day, though. This beautiful Burgundian town is home to the magnificent Hospices de Beaune, a Flemish-style medieval hospital known as "the palace of the poor" which cared for patients into the 20th century. A tour of the Hospices is included in your trip.

Also not to be missed is a tour and tasting in one of the town's wine cellars. Patriarche Père et Fils, one of the largest, is included in your trip.

Accommodations: Chateau de Chailly in Burgundy

Day 4: Burgundy

If you're interested in ancient civilizations, a trip to Autun to tour Roman ruins is in order. This is where the Romans fought the Gauls. There's also the state of the art Museum of Celtic Civilization at Bibracte, an archaeological site in the Morvan Regional Nature Park. In addition to a history lesson, you can have a Celtic snack in the restaurant.

Accommodations: Chateau de Chailly in Burgundy

Day 5: Burgundy

Today you can spend the entire time along the mythic Route des Grands Crus, the route of the great vineyards that take you down a 60 km stretch of the Côte d'Or (Gold Coast) from Dijon to Santenay and some homes of the grandest wines of Burgundy. This route also encompasses some of the prettiest villages in France.

Included is a visit to Clos de Vougeot, one of France's premier wine estates!

Day 6: Paris

It's up to you! Leave for Paris bright and early so you'll have time for the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, shopping and the Louvre. Or meander along the back roads, stopping at farmers' markets and wine tastings. Once in Paris, you can drop off the car and check in at the 4-star Mercure Paris Opera Garnier located just a few blocks from the Champs Elysees, Opera, Place Vendome, as well as some of the world's most luxurious shopping at the Grands Magasins of Galleries Lafayette and Au Printemps. All the delights of the world's most romantic city await.

Accommodations: Mercure Paris Opera Garnier in Paris

Day 7: Departure

Depart Paris Charles de Gaulle airport for flight home.

Included

Round trip airfare from New York/JFK to Paris

4-nights lodging in a Morvan room at the Chateau de Chailly in Burgundy

upgrades available for an Auxois Room, Junior Suite and Chateau Suite

1-night lodging at Mercure Paris Opera Garnier in Paris, 4-star hotel

Rental car for 4 days (manual transmission, automatic available for additional fee)

Transfers from Paris hotel to Charles de Gaulle airport

Entrance to Patriarche Pere & Fils wine cave tour and tasting

Entrance to Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune/Hospices de Beaune historical site

Entrance to Chateau du Clos de Vougeot historic castle in Burgundy

Free use of steam room and Jacuzzi, tennis court, and game room

Not Included

Gratuities for service staff

Any expenses of a personal nature like alcoholic beverages, mini bar in rooms, laundry and telephone bills etc. and anything not specifically mentioned as "includes"

Meals where not included

Beverages where not included

Entrance fees and extras where not included

Hotel taxes $227.27 per person

Travel insurance

Rental car insurance

Changes:

We reserve the right to alter the itinerary details, published times, and accommodations due to weather, local conditions, organization necessity or safety concerns.